Spanish rally great Carlos Sainz has abandoned the Dakar Rally after crashing and injuring himself during the 10th stage.

The 51-year-old two-time world rally champion and winner of the Dakar in 2010 was taken to the rally medical centre, according to event organisers.

His vehicle, an SMG buggy, was badly damaged.

“He was slightly injured and evacuated to the medical centre at the Antofagasta bivouac (where the stage finishes),” organisers said.

Sainz, nicknamed the ‘Matador’ for his aggressive style of driving, was way off the pace even before the stage, trailing overnight leader and compatriot Nani Roma by 3hrs 28mins.